The Australian and multi-award winning investigative journalist Hedley Thomas return with a new podcast Sick to Death, a new podcast drawn from Thomas’ 2007 book of the same name.

Through exclusive insights, in‑depth stories and video, Sick to Death revisits the events at Bundaberg Base Hospital two decades ago and the surgeon, Dr Jayant Patel, who became known as “Dr Death”. The podcast will have nearly 200 characters brought to life through voice-acting and audio production as well as Dr Patel, who has always denied wrongdoing, speaking for the first time in decades in news stories and video.

Supported by Harvey Norman, Sick to Death is an exploration of gross medical negligence and the impact on patients and the healthcare system. Narrated by Thomas, guests include courageous nurse Toni Hoffman and former MP Rob Messenger.

Hedley Thomas. Photo: Glenn Hunt / The Australian – supplied

Thomas said:

“This once in a lifetime scandal exposes how a manipulative, dangerous and dishonest surgeon can cause severe harm for two years in a public hospital. The scandal exposes political cover-ups, bureaucratic incompetence and, tragically, how a poorly run public health system can kill vulnerable patients.

Many of the factors which led to the travesty still remain today. Hearing the sweeping saga of two decades ago, in audio for the first time, will be chilling for some – but it can also help keep patients safe now.”

The Australian subscribers get first access to episodes of Sick to Death on The Australian’s app and website. In two weeks the episodes will be available across major podcast platforms.

This is the fourth Hedley Thomas podcast supported by Harvey Norman after Bronwyn, Shandee’s Story, The Night Driver and the pioneering The Teacher’s Pet.